Does your lawn have problems absorbing water? Does it take several days to dry out after it rains? Is your grass suffering from too much water? The solution could be as easy as aerating the soil.

Lawns that suffer from poor drainage can create an even bigger problem with lawn fungus and mold (both of which, can cause severe allergies). Not to mention drowning the grass roots, which may result in potentially killing the grass and also creating a breeding ground for insects.

There are several things to look at as to why your lawn continuously has standing water or is sloshy days after watering or raining.

  1. Does your lawn slope? Sloping can cause water to drain and pool up at the bottom of a sloped lawn. This is referred to as runoff.
  2. Is there enough sunlight hitting the grass to dry it out? Shaded areas can take longer to dry. This is a good area to plant plants that are water-tolerant and don’t require much sun to help absorb excess water.
  3. Is the ground soil compacted and hard? Hard compacted soil doesn’t allow room for water to seep in and absorb underground. Aerating the soil at least once a year (fall recommended) can loosen the soil allowing it to breathe and absorb water and nutrients easier. Aerating also stimulates the roots allowing the grass to grow healthier and thicker.
  4. Does your sprinkler system have leaks? The smallest of leaks can, over time, build up too much water under the soil that begins pooling up above ground. (Not to mention, creating a hefty water bill.) Check watering system prior to using at the beginning of each year. Winter weather could have frozen and cracked a line/pipe.

It is recommended to aerate the soil in early fall with a lawn aerating tool. This tool creates holes in the lawn allowing the soil to loosen. Doing this in the fall will give the lawn time to break down the aerated grass hole plugs and for the grass to adjust to the changes over winter. If you miss aerating in the fall, an early spring aerating treatment can be done. Make sure to wait 14-28 days before mowing after aerating. Watering several days prior and after will keep the soil moist. Re-seeding in the aerated holes should be done shortly after aerating. This will help keep the lawn full and thick to keep weeds and insects out of the lawn.

There are many lawn insects looking for a wet lawn to breed, feed, and hunt in. Crane flies, grub worms, mosquitoes, army worms, spiders, fleas, ticks, and ants can all find a benefit to your waterlogged lawn. From being a water/food source to breeding ground. Eliminating the water can significantly reduce the number of lawn insects.

There are different professionals that can help with each stage of lawn maintenance. Landscapers can level out and aerate the lawn, irrigation technicians can check sprinkler system and repair damage, and Safe Earth Pest Control can keep your lawn healthy and weed free with our lawn weed and feed service while being bug free with out lawn insect treatments. Contact us today. 214-321-2847